News

Homes in Cirencester hit by floods

RESIDENTS in Cirencester tried to bail out their homes today, after parts of the town were hit by flooding, resulting from this week’s downpours.

Households in Hereward Road and Blake Road, next to the River Churn near Cirencester’s Abbey Grounds, were particularly affected by the floods, which began around 8am.

Local resident Jan O’Connor said the volume of flood water was daunting. “It looked like a disaster area,” she said. “It all happened so quickly. First there was just a little puddle, but soon there was water gushing out of the drains.”

Resident Hannah Sturman said she had only recently moved house. “This was my first weekend here,” she said. “The house backs right on to the river, and the garden and garage are already underwater, so we’re just hoping there’s no more rain.”

She added the residents had reacted quickly by sweeping the water away, using brooms, plastic boxes and wheelie bins. “It’s been all hands on deck,” she said. “Everyone has come out to help - there’s a real community spirit.”

Susie Smith said she had come to visit her mother-in-law in Hereward Road. “I came to see if she was alright, but the water had already started to come out of the drain covers and was spreading all along the road,” she said.

The Met Office has issued another warning for several hours of heavy rain in the South West this evening. The rainfall is not expected to be as widespread as yesterday, but some areas could see accumulations of up to 40mm.

Cotswold Leisure has been opened as an emergency shelter for residents affected by the flooding.